Source:  Richard Smith, MEATINGPLACE, 6/6/11

South Korea plans to ban the use of antibiotics in animal feed beginning in July, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The move will come in an effort to raise consumer confidence in the safety of livestock products, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said.

South Korea allowed 44 types of antibiotics to be mixed with feed before 2005, but has gradually cut the number as scientists warn of serious side effects when livestock receive too many antibiotics. "The government will impose a total ban on the addition of antibiotics to animal feed by revising rules governing animal feed production. The new rules will enhance the safety of local meat and dairy products," MAFF said.

Under the revised rules, the use of eight types of antibiotics will be prohibited, along with one kind of antimicrobial agent. However, veterinarians will be permitted to inject antibiotics into sick animals. Once the ban goes into effect, the government will redouble efforts to check for antibiotics in feed and take tough action against violations, MAFF said.

Seoul has been monitoring the residues of antibodies in meat since 1991, halting circulation of products that fail to pass the screening process. This year, state inspectors found 38 individual products that exceeded safety standards.

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